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[52]
When Minuetanus and Cherea had met together, and saluted one another,
(as they had been used on former conversations to give the upper hand to
Minucianus, both on account of his eminent dignity, for he was the noblest
of all the citizens, and highly commended by all men, especially when he
made speeches to them,) Minuetanus began first, and asked Cherea, What
was the watchword he had received that day from Caius; for the affront
which was offered Cherea, in giving the watchwords, was famous over the
city. But Cherea made no delay so long as to reply to that question, out
of the joy he had that Minueianus would have such confidence in him as
to discourse with him. "But do thou," said he, "give me
the watchword of liberty. And I return thee my thanks that thou hast so
greatly encouraged me to exert myself after an extraordinary manner; nor
do I stand in need of many words to encourage me, since both thou and I
are of the same mind, and partakers of the same resolutions, and this before
we have conferred together. I have indeed but one sword girt on, but this
one will serve us both. Come on, therefore, let us set about the work.
Do thou go first, if thou hast a mind, and bid me follow thee; or else
I will go first, and thou shalt assist me, and we will assist one another,
and trust one another. Nor is there a necessity for even one sword to such
as have a mind disposed to such works, by which mind the sword uses to
be successful. I am zealous about this action, nor am I solicitous what
I may myself undergo; for I can not at leisure to consider the dangers
that may come upon myself, so deeply am I troubled at the slavery our once
free country is now under, and at the contempt cast upon our excellent
laws, and at the destruction which hangs over all men, by the means of
Caius. I wish that I may be judged by thee, and that thou mayst esteem
me worthy of credit in these matters, seeing we are both of the same opinion,
and there is herein no difference between us."

Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.

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